First Off, You may have been wondering where I have gone in terms of my writing over the last couple weeks, sadly living on a friends couch during the Olympics doesn’t allow for spare time to work on new articles. Over the last three weeks, I took in the Olympic Games from the city of Vancouver itself, enjoying what will be remembered as Vancouver’s greatest achievement, culminating in one of the best hockey games of all time.

While the Olympic Games didn’t start off until the opening ceremonies that night, my Olympic experience started with a long journey into the city itself. Bus ferries, busses and sky train cars left the impression that the world had indeed arrived in Vancouver. Even the line at the liquor store made it quite clear that everyone was ready to start the games. Unfortunately while travelling through town with thousands strangers from all over the world, the biggest topic of conversation became the death of Georgian Luger Nodar Kumaritashvili who was killed in a tragic accident at the Whistler sliding centre. It was a sad day for the Olympics and the Vancouver games themselves, the loss of an Olympic athlete shook everyone in BC place during a moment of silence that night, however as the ceremonies continued the stadium atmosphere became electric, sparked by the entrance of Team Canada.

Once Team Canada entered BC Place, the stadium was alive with excitement, ready to cheer on the athletes walking in front of them over two weeks of intense and spirited competition. The Own The Podium movement had been put into place, now it was time to see how far we have become. The excitement of Canada’s first Olympic gold medal on home soil, the musical talent of K.D. Lang, the poetic ability of Shane Koyczan and the anticipation of the lighting of the Olympic torch all built the Opening Ceremony into an amazing event to start off the games. As I watched from a living room in Kitsilano, I realized that the opening ceremonies were Canada’s way of stepping out into the spotlight, welcoming the world to visit one of the best places on earth.

As the ceremonies continued, the topic of conversation turned from tragedy to giddy anticipation as everyone wondered who would be the last person to bring the Olympic flame into BC place, and officially begin the games. Names like Gretzky, Greene, Le May Doan, Orr, Nash and Hansen were all kicked around, but in the end they all had a part in the flame reaching its final destination for the games, with none other than The Great One taking it there.

While the ceremonies did not come without their hiccups and malfunctions, the ceremony was Canada’s final coming out party. The lighting of the Olympic torch served as a declaration by Canadians everywhere, welcome to Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, home of the True, North, Strong and Free.

The feel continued into the streets and bars throughout downtown, anyone who was wearing Team Canada clothing became an immediate friend, another ambassador to the world among a sea of red and white throughout downtown Vancouver. For two weeks Robson Square and the Granville strip became a sea of high-fives, “Go Canada Go” chants, and honking cars celebrating the great athletic achievements Canadians had conquered over the last two weeks.

We came together to witness a collection of amazing achievements that led the nation to believe that we really did “Own the Podium”. While we did not win the overall medal count, Canadian athletes made history winning a record 14 Gold Medals, most in any Winter Olympic Games, an especially commemorative achievement to be accomplished on home soil. This is how I remembered the Olympics over an amazing two weeks full of tragedy, anticipation, relief, joy, pride, anxiety and ecstasy.

• Saturday 13^th – Jennifer Heil wins a silver medal in women’s moguls, so close to the first gold medal on home soil that Heil, and all of Canada had been hoping for. The city is still happy to see Canada on the board with a medal.
• Sunday 14^th – Finally, the streak is over. Canadian Men’s Mogul star Alexandre Bilodeau is the first to win gold at home for Canada, let the party begin! Robson Square, Granville Street, and everywhere else downtown is a giant party, local news that night declared Vancouver’s “no fun city” moniker of the past dead.
• Monday 15^th – After the excitement of Canada’s first gold medal on home soil, the nation turned to Men’s snowboard cross to find another medal. Canada’s four man team performs well, capped off with Mike Robertson’s heartbreaking finish in the final heat of the day. Robertson held the lead for the majority of the race, but was caught on one of the final turns of the course, winning the Silver medal. That night at Malone’s pub, we play pool and meet many other Canadians taking in the Olympic atmosphere. Later, my friends and I met two of the funniest Australians I’ll ever meet, who we thoroughly debated with over the local boy turned enemy Dale Begg-Smith.
• Tuesday 16^th – Finally, after enjoying an appetizer of sporting events before Tuesday, it was finally the day to see the Canadian Men’s Team take action. After a first intermission of analysis and questions of the Canadian offence, the 2^nd an 3^rd periods provided Canadian Fans and media members alike with an explosive offensive statement, declaring that Canada’s scoring will not be a problem in the tournament. Canada 8 – Norway 0. At night, we enjoy the victory at Forum, dancing with Slovakian friends, and more Australian party goers.
• Wednesday 17^th – With the Canadian women on deck against the Swedish team in the afternoon, I decided to wander around the beautiful downtown morning in the sunshine, while others waited the SIX HOUR WAIT for the zip trek across Robson Square. Now that it is gone, I wish I too had done the zip trek, but six hours is just too much for my patience. At night, it was Shaun White’s amazing performance in Men’s halfpipe, destroying competition with his 1^st conservative run before upping the anty like any performer would in his final run, besting every run that day in what was a spectacular display of White’s talent and domination of the sport.
• Thursday 18^th – As friends come over from the island to celebrate the Olympics together, we fire up the BBQ on a beautiful February afternoon to watch the afternoon hockey game in style. The feast settles our stomachs for an upsetting 3-2 win for Team Canada over Team Switzerland. Sidney Crosby proved on his second shootout attempt that he is a force to be reckoned with in this tournament, wiring a wrist shot past Jonas Hiller after previously being fooled attempting to deke out the Swiss keeper. Christine Nesbett’s gold medal winning performance in Women’s 1000m speed skating was capped off by a huge final lap that shaved a half second off of her own pace time in order to slip under the lead time by .02 seconds, an amazing final push from the newest Canadian hero.
• Friday 19^th – Live Hockey! I am lucky enough to join my Dad at a Men’s hockey game; Czech Republic vs. Latvia. I have to give it up for both teams and all the fans inside Canada Hockey Place, it was electric. Some Czech athletes in the suite beside us taught us cheers from their own country, an interesting look into the culture of other nations’ fans, having grown up on a healthy dose of “Go Canada/Canucks Go”. While at the game, the small in house televisions show Mellissa Hollingsworth’s final run, an unfortunate ending to a promising day which saw her move from 2^nd to 5^th in her final run, after bumping the walls twice at the Whistler sliding centre. Later however, Jon Montgomery saves the day, winning the Gold Medal in Men’s Skeleton; his celebration was a scene straight out of Canadian beer hockey league’s everywhere. After flag waving and cheering at the sliding centre, Montgomery walked down to the Whistler Village, picking up a pitcher of beer on the way to add to the Canadian nostalgia.
• Saturday 20^th – As I take a day off from partying in Vancouver, I get time to watch more hockey with my family, including an amazing game between Swiss and Norwegian Men’s Teams, featuring the heroics or Tore Vikingstad, who potted a hat trick on his birthday.
• Sunday 21^st – Kristina Groves wins Silver in Women’s 1500m speed skating, however the big focus is on the much anticipated day of hockey, the Canada vs. USA showdown is the talk of the town, the lines at bars and restaurants everywhere were a sign of the importance of the game to the city, and fans everywhere. At Irish house, our friends and I enjoy the Irish food, music and of course, over priced beer. The game itself leaves us devastated after Ryan Kesler dove to poke the puck into an empty Canadian net, ending the game and crushing the hopes of Canadians everywhere still hanging on for a comeback. After the game, we did the best we could to enjoy the night, dancing and singing the night away in between difficult conversations with American fans who I acknowledged won fair and square, but I promised we would face again.
• Monday 22^nd – Canadian pairs Ice Dancing tandem of Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir throw down an amazing skate, winning the Gold Medal for Canada and simultaneously giving Ice Dance a legitimate spot in my heart. I am also starting to realize that Canadians have some of the most beautiful female athletes in the world. God Bless You Tessa Virtue.
• Tuesday 23^rd – It’s do or die day for Canada, as they took on Germany in the men’s qualification round. Full of anger and resolve, Team Canada didn’t disappoint by dominating the Germans in almost every facet of the game in a decisive 8-2 victory. Suddenly there seems to be faith in the team again throughout the city, overcoming the doubters who sounded off after losing to the U.S. earlier. The country eagerly awaits the next game, looking ahead to a showdown against the Russians. Even Canada Hockey Place can be heard shouting “Bring on Russia” during the late stages of the game. Suddenly the country, and the hockey team, have their swagger back.
• Wednesday 24^th – The anticipated gold medal matchup of Canada vs. Russia comes early in the men’s quarterfinal, an epic knockout game that can make or break the success of the whole tournament. With one of its most impressive physical games team Canada has ever iced, team Canada jumped all over the smaller Russian squad in order to jump out to an early 4-0 lead in the first period. Team Canada never looked back, again winning 8-2. Just after the game ended and the party was about to begin, Team Canada Women’s Bobsled team crashed the party, and the podium, claiming both the Gold AND Silver medals with both Canadian crews, setting off a celebration for the ages in the streets of Vancouver. By this time, the whole city has realized that it isn’t necessary to find a club or bar to party the night away at, the party downtown and on the streets is its own venue.
• Thursday 25^th – It’s a big night for Canadian women, as the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team won their awaited duel with their rival American Squad. The early 2-0 Canadian lead built by Marie-Philip Poulin would stand to win the game, giving Canada a taste of Gold on ice days before the men could do battle for Gold at Canada Hockey Place. As a last celebration for players, the Women took to the ice after Canada Hockey Place had been cleared and just hung out, like kids after they had won their regional tournament, just sitting on the ice and enjoying the moment with a beer among friends, is there anything more Canadian? While athletes are constantly under the eye of impressionable children, celebrations are off limits in my books, the Team didn’t walk down Granville with Cigars and open beer, (That’s the norm anyways, although the Cigar is otherwise represented) they celebrated in private with the team, and of course some photographers to provide us with a slideshow of the celebration. So I’m completely in favour of Team Canada partying the night away on Canada Place Ice, after four years and hard work and anticipation they earned it. “Stogies, Why Not!” Thank you, John Beckwith Owen Wilson.
• Friday 26^th – It is a huge day for Canada as we begin the closing weekend with Gold Medals in Men’s Short Track 500m and Men’s Short Track 5000m Relay. Charles Hamelin had an especially big day, winning the individual 500m title, moving on to win the four man relay along with his Brother Francois Hamelin, and fellow teammates Olivier Jean and Francois-Louis Tremblay who also claimed a bronze medal behind Hamelin in the 500m. In Women’s curling, skip Cheryl Bernard lead the Canadian Women’s team to a silver medal, falling short to Team Sweden in an extra end. After all the afternoon success, the collective outlook on the evening’s hockey game was positive, fuelled by eager anticipation of seeing Team Canada in the gold medal game. After an intense game, which was too close for my comfort the entire night, Canada held on to a 3-2 lead and finally had its birth into the finals. In the dying seconds, Roberto Luongo made the save of the tournament, stopping NHL teammate Pavol Demitra in order to keep the lead and move his team on to a shot at Gold.
• Saturday 27^th – After Friday’s gold rush, it was hard to imagine Canada had more left in the tank on the final Saturday. Amazingly, three more Gold Medals were won on the final full day of competition, vaulting Canada up the medal count leaderboard, especially when counting Gold’s. In speed skating, Canadian Men’s Team Pursuit foursome brought home Gold, followed by impressive performances on the mountain and the curling rink, as Jasey Jay Anderson and Kevin Martin won Gold in Men’s Parallel Giant Slalom and curling respectfully. Vancouver was again partying in the streets, ready to carry the party all the way through the night towards the noon start time of the Gold Medal hockey game.
• Sunday 28^th – I woke up at 9am to a cell phone call from a friend, and he just told me to turn on the news and look at the lines. Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, anywhere with a liquor license, television and seating had a line-up to get it. Some of them weren’t even open yet, some were already at capacity, but EVERYONE was lining up to see the game. After a short bus ride, my friends and I saw for ourselves the mob of Canadian fans that had lined the streets, coffee in hand, waiting for history to unfold before them in a few hours time. After battling the lines and running through a variety of scenarios in which we could find a good spot downtown, we decided to go old school, and watch the game from the comfort of our friend’s home in Kitsilano. With a beer in one hand and breakfast in the other, we sat down and watched the most exciting, intense, and important hockey game the world may have ever seen. It was only fitting that not only would the game take extra time, but that Sidney Crosby, golden child of Team Canada, would score the winning goal, ending the game and setting off the biggest party the nation has ever seen, all in one swift flick of the wrist. Crosby came through for Canada, and within seconds the streets were lined with red, white and gold. From the moment the game ended until early morning the next morning, the streets were filled with the sounds of honking cards, cheering fans, and screaming partiers, all celebrating the perfect ending to two weeks of outstanding athletic competition.

After an Olympic Games that began with tragedy, poor weather, and early disappointment from Canadian Athletes, the games grew into not only a celebration of personal achievement, but a celebration of a Country as a whole; our history, our identity, our passion, our game.

It wasn’t until late Sunday night that I realized what the games are all about, as I was reflecting on the night so far at a downtown bar. The Olympics are about bringing together the world in celebration of our common passion for sport. From the passion of Canadian Hockey fans to the determination of Ghana’s “Snow Leopard” Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong who is a one man Olympic Team, competing for Ghana in the winter Olympics after only learning how to ski six years ago on artificial snow. Athletes from all over the world, from all walks of life, came together to compete in friendly competition all for the glory of themselves, their country, and the games. The many rivals, storylines, politics, controversies, and other events surrounding the games are only a small aspect of what is the greatest sporting event in the world.

It took a couple of the stars of the afternoon’s game on closing Sunday for me to come to this realization. As a couple players and family members of Team Canada strolled into the same bar I partied at on Sunday, I realized that for some family’s this game is the greatest achievement of their entire lives, a life of early practices, power skating and open skates in order to succeed in the biggest game of their life. It wasn’t the star power of a couple players walking into the bar that struck me, but the sight of a much older man making his way through the crowd that made my mind wander. After realizing this man was a father of a Team Canada player and gold medal winner I immediately congratulated him on his son’s success as well as his own success as a father. It was then that the amazing joy in this stranger’s eyes said to me “this is what it means to be Canadian”.

Later in the night in passing around the bar I found the same joy and honest pride in other strangers. It is hard to really understand the person behind the microphone at times when we see television personalities daily from your living room, however one media member who was happy enough to share a drink with my friends and I put it simply “What a night eh boys”. The honesty and sincerity of his voice said it all, this was a night of a lifetime and there was nothing that could be taken away from it.

Olympic athletes, family members, media members, and the people of Vancouver all came together to celebrate the greatest two weeks Vancouver has ever seen, punctuated by a day of athletic triumph and celebration that will go down in history as one of the most important games in Canadian history; It will be relived and re-told by everyone who witnessed the games for years to come. The experience has been burned into the hearts and minds of every Canadian who was touched by these games, I for one am proud to say that I am Canadian, and I was there.

After one of the most exciting and memorable hockey games of all time on Sunday, it’s not surprising that Roberto Luongo was given the night off against Columbus on Tuesday, allowing Andrew Raycroft to get a rare start. Luongo looked almost comfortable and at peace on the bench for a change, I guess a gold medal will have that effect on even the biggest work-aholics.

On the ice however, the pressure was on the players in the line-up to either prove to Mike Gillis that you are worth continuing as a Vancouver Canuck, or showcase yourself to the other GM’s around the league looking for some help during the stretch run. As a traditionally quiet deadline day team, the Canucks didn’t have any players squarely on the chopping block, however I suspect Kyle Wellwood may have had a little extra motivation to ice a solid game.

After allowing Columbus to own the first period and jump to a 2-0 lead, Kyle Wellwood flipped a nifty pass back between his legs from behind the Columbus net to Alex Burrows who was waiting stick on the ice in front of Steve Mason. It was a play from Wellwood that he has always lived and died with, the type of sneaky, flashy pass that while often resulting in a turnover, when executed properly is a candidate for highlight of the night and often an easy goal.

Later in the period, Pavol Demitra proved he also has something to prove after his impressive run as the Olympic Scoring leader for the tournament. Demitra ripped a shot over the shoulder of Mason, who was unable to find the rebound before Demitra fired it into the back of the net.

Later in the second, Columbus was again able to navigate the Vancouver defence, creating a 2 on 1 from a Christian Ehrhoff turnover which left Aarom Rome hopelessly reaching for Raffi Torres before he threaded a perfect pass across to Derek Dorsett who put it home into an empty net behind Raycroft.

In the third period, Kyle Wellwood again made a statement with some solid work down low that lead to Alex Burrows returning the previous favour and setting up Wellwood for a tap-in to tie the game at 3’s. It was a nice breath of fresh air from Wellwood, who has shown very small flashes of brilliance this season, but has been overwhelmingly inconsistent for the majority of the year.

In overtime, an attempted slap-pass by Alex Burrows to Ryan Kesler was originally forced wide, however the ever dangerous Christian Ehrhoff snuck in the back door to jam home the bounce off of the end boards.

It was a gutsy effort from the Canucks, who I was ready to write off early in the second period after Andrew Raycroft let in a soft second goal for the Jackets. Apparently the Olympic Hangover is only a period or two long, the Canucks progressively became stronger as the game went on, a nice trend in their play of late. Now if only the boys in blue and green would stop being so generous in giving up the first goal of the game…

Ask and You Shall Receive

If Alain Vigneault had something to say about the Canucks’ slow start in Columbus, Ryan Kesler was listening. One of Kesler’s most impressive solo efforts of the year opened the scoring (and Jimmy Howard’s legs) against the Red Wings on Wednesday. Kesler accepted a pass at the blue line and walked around two ‘Wings defenders before deking out Howard and slipping the puck five-hole.

Ten minutes later, a rocket of a shot by Jason Williams brought the ‘Wings even. As good as Kyle Wellwood was in both games since the Olympic break, his attempt to check Williams as the puck arrived was pitiful, and was a perfect example of the lack-lustre play Wellwood has been producing for most of the season. If you’re not going to deflect or intercept the pass, just make sure you don’t screen Luongo too, Kyle.

Three minutes later, the re-united top line of Sedin Sedin Burrows worked together for a pretty passing play entering the Columbus zone before the puck ended up just slightly in front of Jimmy Howard allowing Alex Burrows to swoop in and tip the puck up and over Howard’s glove. Nice to see production from the top line, I was a little worried the top line may not come back from the Olympics with the same chemistry and jam, but they have been up to the task post Vancouver 2010.

The beginning to the second period in Detroit is one I’ve seen far too many times before. A beautiful play by a Red Wing victimizes a Canucks defender for a goal, and yet the few remaining fans in Joe Louis Arena don’t know whether to clap or cry. This edition involved Henrik Zetterberg simply beating Nolan Baumgartner to the puck and to the net, as he glided around Baumer and an aggressive Luongo to tie up the game.

Minutes later, Kyle “magic mittens” Wellwood (Yes, he has earned the name again, for now) again showed glimmers of his once well known scoring touch. Aaron Rome fed Wellwood from his own blue line with a beautiful pass that sprung Kyle all alone on Jimmy Howard. Wellwood, who is usually one for fancy dekes and moves, elected to switch it up and shoot top corner, fooling Howard and giving the Canucks the lead again all in one flick of the wrist.

I have praised and criticized Nolan Baumgartner and Aaron Rome during their current tour of duty for the Canucks, and to me they both seem to have the same struggles. Baumgartner’s pass behind the net against Columbus was key in the Canucks first goal; however his attempt at defending Henrik Zetterberg was just that, an attempt. Rome, who looked helpless defending a 2 on 1 in Columbus, should be given full credit for his pass to spring Wellwood on Howard. Not many regular NHL defensemen can make a pass like Rome’s on Wednesday, if he and Baumgartner both learned to eliminate the simple mistakes and focus on making more smart plays, I feel both of them have the potential to find themselves becoming 3^rd defensive pairing calibre NHL defensemen. Those simple turnover’s will be deadly come playoff time, just as making the simple play can make the difference of a game or series come April.

Sami Salo provided a perfect example of the simple play minutes after Wellwood’s breakaway by simply throwing the puck through traffic, and into the back of the net only six seconds into the Canucks power play. Sami is often a frustrating player to watch when playing the point, and many of his shots seem to find a way of getting blocked by penalty killers; however a simple quick wrist shot is an easy way to get the puck on net and create havoc down low. Another calm, poised, veteran play that Baumgartner and Rome would do well to learn from.

Mikael Samuelsson later roofed a shot past Osgood as he came out of the corner, no doubt fooling his old practice goalie. Must have felt good for Samuelsson to get one against his own club, between Detroit and Team Sweden, not a lot of teams have had faith in his play, good for Samuelsson to stick it to them this time with his stick, not his mouth. Although I still think more NHL players should be candid in their interviews, and all the power to Mikael telling the media how he feels.

In the 3^rd, Ryan Kesler and Johan Franzen both exchanged pretty power play goals to end the game 6-3 for the Canucks. Nice to see the Canucks overcome the Olympic hangover as well as playing on back-to-back nights in order to grab an important four points. Statement games be damned, the Canucks need to focus on winning hockey games and collecting as many points as they can down the stretch. Every game should be seen as a statement on their way to the playoffs. Friday’s matchup against the Blackhawks is no exception, the Canucks need to come out with intensity against one of the strongest teams in the Western Conference. Another big two points is on the line, and with the playoff picture looking like this every point counts.

Injuries, News and Notes

• Andrew Alberts is expected to make his Canucks debut Friday against the Blackhawks; I’m really looking forward to seeing him hit someone, especially our rivals from the windy city.
• The New Canucks Wallpaper is up; Canadian Canuck’s fans will especially appreciate the March 2010 offering from the Canucks media section.
• The Canucks are still uncertain when Willie Mitchell could be back, so Andrew Alberts will have to step up for now. Kevin Bieksa may be ready to go in the coming weeks, a well timed boost to the blue-line for the stretch run and playoffs.
• The guys at Nucks Misconduct had a great interview with Green Men “Force” and “Sully” , who are now relevant again now that I’ve got all the cheering for Red and White out of my system.

After an ugly start and an equally impressive comeback over the Leafs on Hockey Day in Canada, the Vancouver Canucks look to continue to improve on the road and overcome the .500 barrier away from GM Place.

Since news of Mike Cammalleri’s knee injury, the Canadiens are probably just looking to keep their head above water as they try to survive in an increasingly tight Eastern conference. Eight teams are separated by only FIVE points that stretches from 5^th place to 13^th place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Tonight the NHL’s leading scorer, his twin brother, French step-brother, and the rest of the Canucks take on the Montreal Canadiens, who look like they need a push off of the trade deadline fence. The Canucks seem to be very good at kicking personnel out of town this season. John Stevens, Andy Murray, and most recently the quartet of Maple Leafs (White, Mayers, Stajan and Hagman) have all been fired or traded immediately following losses to the Canucks.

I’d say it’s time to chase a couple ‘Habs out of town wouldn’t you?

Heads up, Carey.

After all the controversy and shenanigans that has followed Carey Price in his young career in Montreal, wouldn’t it be nice to do him a favour and send him off to another city? I honestly feel like Price could become a solid #1 in another city, the pressure of living in a fishbowl in Montreal was too much, can you really blame him? Losing doesn’t bode well with home town fans, and the man between the pipes is often at the top of the blame list.

But enough about the troubles of playing in Montreal, two points is up for grabs right now, that’s been the focus all year for the Canucks, and has been one of the reasons I think the Canucks have been consistently improving this year. Focus.

To most NHL teams, an incident like the Stephane Auger/Alex Burrows confrontation would be a recipe for disaster, however since that infamous game in early January the Canucks are 7-1, losing their only game in that stretch two days after the incident while the media circus was still in full swing. Hell of a turnaround from the guys, especially Burrows himself.

A red hot top line also helps too.

In their last five games, the Sedin Sedin Burrows line is a plus 23, combining for 26 points over that span. Three players averaging more than five points per game between them, wow. It’s no wonder the Sedins have gone from a west coast secret to the league’s new darlings. I can’t be the only one who thinks it is hilarious that #1 enemy of the state Alex Burrows is playing on a top line with the Sedin Twins, who are two of the quietest and cleanest hockey players the NHL has been able to market in years. Except for that #78 guy, what’s his name, Sidney something?

So while the Sedin twins and Burrows continue their scoring streak of late, the rest of the Canuck team has also been extremely effective during this recent winning streak. Mikael Samuelsson has been huge since he was snubbed off of the Swedish Olympic Team and told team management they can “go [Gretzky] themselves”. His line mates, Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond have also been solid recently. Kesler has six points in his last five, posting a +9. Raymond quietly put up 6 points and a plus 3.

*For the un-initiated, any use of Wayne Gretzky’s name or any part of his name used in square brackets is meant to hide colourful language. The stronger the word, the closer to the Great One’s full name, you get the picture.

While all of these players have contributed impressively to the Canucks recent success, a few names that are often left out of the conversation must also be mentioned.

Since Vancouver’s top three defensemen have all gone down to injury, the transition of call-ups Nolan Baumgartner, Aaron Rome and Brad Lukowich has been seamless. All three players have contributed significant minutes, often around 15 minutes of ice time a game, very impressive for players straight from the AHL. These guys aren’t playing garbage minutes either, without Mitchell, Salo and Bieksa the Canucks rolled all six defensemen generously, allowing everyone to get into the flow of the game play confidently. Give Alain Vigneault huge credit for having confidence in these guys, as well as the players themselves for stepping up big. Way to work guys.

Tough break for Baumer, he will be replaced by a healthy Sami Salo tonight. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is called up again sometime soon, he was fantastic. His play sure makes me feel good about the Canucks’ organizational depth at defence, which could be huge down the stretch. Lukowich and Rome will hold down the third defensive pairing tonight.

It’s a big game for the Canucks tonight as they look to build on the last 40 minutes of the Hockey Day in Canada matchup against the Leafs. Look for the Canucks to have a sharp opening 20, correcting an awful start that almost lost the game in Toronto. It’s Pay Per View tonight, so pile into the bar or order the game with friends and enjoy, here’s hoping the Canucks take it to the ‘Habs, I can’t get enough of it.

News, Notes and Injuries

• Ryan Johnson will join the line-up again tonight on the 4^th line, taking back his spot from Tanner Glass who will likely be a healthy scratch tonight.
• As mentioned above, Sami Salo is back in, Nolan Baumgartner is out.
• Willie Mitchell is still out with an “upper body injury” as per Canucks.com. However I’ve heard it could be a back injury, or possibly concussion, time will tell.
• Kevin Bieksa is of course out indefinitely with an Ankle laceration.
• The new Canucks desktop Wallpapers are up for February, featuring six different wallpapers, one for each of the Canucks Olympic athletes (The Sedins shared theirs). Very cool stuff from the Canucks multimedia guys. As for me, I’m rolling with Louie.
• Tonight also marks the first meeting of Rick Rypien and Hal Gill since their epic “David vs. Goliath” fight in October. I don’t think there is a single hockey fan on this earth who wouldn’t want to see Rypien vs. Gill round two. Please Hockey Gods, make it so!

Until tonight, this should hold you over.

The Canucks were out to prove that unlike last year’s frustrating playoff losses to the Blackhawks, they can beat the elite teams in the NHL, even if their record doesn’t land them in the same territory.

They didn’t even need their top three defensemen to do it.

In back to back Saturday nights under CBC’s spotlight the Vancouver Canucks have put up two of their best performances of the year, beating the Penguins and Blackhawk’s in commanding 6-2 and 5-1 victories.

The Canucks have been victims of playing down to the level of their opponent in the past, but as friends of mine have pointed out; the Canucks’ most infamous characteristic has become a double edged sword.

In December and January the Canucks have inherited Rick Rypien’s David vs. Goliath determination, toppling the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Chicago Blackhawks, proving that both the Canucks and Rypien are not to be ignored this season.

Ryan Kesler said it before the game even started “I feel we’re up there with these teams,” and he was a man possessed last night. His effort on the first goal of the game was outstanding; he forced the puck into the slot after ringing one low off the post, setting up Mikael Samuelsson. I cringed when I saw Samuelsson awkwardly try and force the forehand shot home after it was poked out front by Kesler, however just as Samuelsson is proving team Sweden management wrong, he did the same to me proving he could bury the golden opportunity to open the game. At least he didn’t tell me to go #%@$ myself.

The Canucks wouldn’t wait long to continue the scoring, Henrik Sedin potted his 22^nd of the year on a great one man effort, poking home the puck after he created a scramble in front of Antti Niemi. Minutes later, Stone Cold Steve Bernier lifted a backhand rebound past Niemi to make it 3-0.

After the intermission, the ‘Hawks changed netminders, however it wouldn’t save the game, the Canucks slowed the tempo of the second period down and choked the life out of the high powered ‘Hawks in the second.

In the third, the Blackhawks continued to press the Canucks wave after wave, but Luongo was not about to allow another third period collapse doom the Canucks. The captain made 43 saves to lead the Canucks to another solid victory; his mastery in goal is hard to describe when he’s really on fire, so I will allow Louie to do it himself.

Yeah, he’s kind of good.

A solid game from the Canucks, I really love that the boys in blue and green are icing huge games against some of the best the NHL has to offer, these games should seem easier come playoff time.

The big games continue for the Canucks, the Buffalo Ryan Millers Sabres are in town tomorrow night to test the hot Canucks once again.

It’s been a slow start for the Canucks, however since the Christmas break the Canucks have won 10 of their last 14 games and have 22 points out of a possible 28. That’s a pretty good response from the team that dropped games to both of the Eastern and Western Conferences worst teams in December.

22 points out of a possible 28, that’s the way to get the job done and move up in the standings. Playing solid hockey is one thing, but cashing in on the points is most important right now.

Speaking of points, Henrik continues to reign supreme among the NHL’s top scorers, extending his lead last night, four points ahead of Alexander Ovechkin at 74. Ovechkin leads the league in plus minus at +30, however several Canucks including both Sedin twins are near the top too.

Alex Burrows +25, Christian Ehrhoff, +24, Daniel Sedin, +21 (IN ONLY 33 GAMES!), Sami Salo +15, Shane O’Brien +14. Hell of a list; proves the Canucks have really bought into playing solid hockey in both ends of the rink.

Shane O’Brien may be playing the best hockey he’s ever played in his life, and I can’t get enough of it. He’s really coming into his own as a tough, rugged, smart NHL defenseman. It’s a small sample space but if he keeps this up Shaner may become one of my favourite Canucks.

It’s guys like O’Brien who are the unsung heroes of the team, stepping up and playing big minutes while Salo, Mitchell and Bieksa are out is a huge lift to the team. Nolan Baumgartner, Aaron Rome and Brad Lukowich all stepped up big last night as well, all playing over around fifteen minutes. Way to work guys.

Injuries, News and Notes

• Sami Salo and Willie Mitchell are both day-to-day with groin and back injuries, but both should be back in the next week. Kevin Bieksa of course will be out indefinitely with another leg laceration.
• Rick Rypien has missed the last two games with what is believed to be the flu, consider him day-to-day if that is true.
• Alex Burrows continued his points streak to 11 games, he seems unstoppable right now. I’m sure Ryan Miller will have something to say about that.
• Canucks and Sabres tomorrow at 7, word is the green men will grace GM Place with their presence again, love it.

So $2500 later, Alex Burrows is back to being a regular NHL player again, well – sort of.

The amount of attention Burrows has received this week after calling out referee Stephane Auger in interviews following Monday’s game against the Predators has been amazing.

Almost too much attention, it seems.

Burrows’ comments regarding Auger and his alleged comments before the game on Monday have caused all types of media to comment on the situation. A Facebook group titled “Stephane Auger Should Be Fired From The NHL” has been created, and embarrassingly, has amassed just over 2200 fans. Based on the words of a hometown hero, 2200 people believe a man should lose his job. Slowly I start to understand why Canucks fans get a bad reputation.

Our passion is unmatched, however passion can move in both positive and negative ways. 2200 people joining a group that’s only purpose is to fire someone, based on comments made by Alex Burrows; that’s a problem. 18,000+ passionately waving towels to honour the ’82 Canucks and the late great Roger Neilson, that’s awesome.

However, overzealous Canucks fans are not the only ones reacting wrongly to the whole situation.

Enter, Damien Cox. It’s ridiculous to expect the media to pass on something as juicy as Burrows’ allegations. However, I assumed Burrows would be given the benefit of the doubt in regards to what Auger really said, since only two men really know the truth. I guessed wrong.

After news came out that Alex Burrows would be fined, Auger would be talked to, and that the matter would be closed, apparently a green light was turned on somewhere to commence the Burrows bashing. Damien Cox decided hey, screw it, why not bash some of the other Canucks, and the whole province of BC while I’m at it, and away he went.

“Funny how people are so ready to believe Alex Burrows, and so ready to assume Stephane Auger essentially cheated the Vancouver Canucks.

Come to think of it, funny how it’s always the Canucks screaming outrage about something. Unless, of course, its a Vancouver fan shining a laser into the face of an opposing goalie. Then, in the words of Alain Vigneault, they’re just “great fans.”

65 words, and all of a sudden all Canucks fans are hard done by, laser-pointer wielding lunatics who only wear Canucks jerseys to cover the “I love Burrows” tattoos. Yepp, bang on.

And he was just getting warmed up…

“They sure get unhinged in a hurry over hockey in Vancouver. Geez, years later, you can still get folks all up in a lather over the Bertuzzi-Moore incident, claiming Steve Moore deserved what he got and how he faked his injuries, etc.

Never much moderation out of B.C. when it comes to these things.

Just last summer, Canucks GM Mike Gillis accused the Leafs not once but twice of illegally meddling in Vancouver team business. The NHL essentially laughed and went on to other business.”

Vancouver gets unhinged in a hurry? Yes, when we feel we’ve lost a game because we’ve been cheated by an official, we get upset. And yes, you’re right; most Canucks fans do believe Burrows, nothing wrong with that. Only two men on this earth were involved in the conversation before Monday’s game, and I believe the hard working NHL player over the NHL referee with a past of controversy. No big deal, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, except for British Columbians I guess. Oh my mistake.

It’s actually quite impressive Cox was able to make such an interesting comparison between the Canucks tampering allegations against the Leafs and the allegations of Burrows, they are very similar. They were both barking up the wrong tree, attacking the big players in the NHL and are getting swept under the rug.

The Canucks accused the biggest money maker in the NHL of tampering and they “laughed and went on to other business”. Power corrupts.

Now that Alex Burrows has accused Stephane Auger of “getting him back” he too is being swept under the rug, $2500 later. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

And Damien wasn’t done there either; he hadn’t quite hit everyone on the west coast juuuuuuuust yet.

“For starters, how do we know Burrows is telling the truth?

There’s absolutely no corroboration of his story. What we do know is that he’s a known dive artist and agitator who is more than happy to fake an injury or a foul if it draws a penalty against an opponent. He believes referees are there to buy into his various cons and acting jobs.

He’s a pretty good hockey player, too. It’s just that the nonsense sometimes overshadows the ability, just like his teammate, Ryan Kesler.

Auger? Solid, not spectacular ref. Not one of the NHL’s best, but solid. To be honest, most nights I couldn’t tell you who the referees are any more. It’s just not a big factor to me.”

Truth? Truth is a funny word. We don’t “know” the truth about Burrows or Auger, but thanks very much for enlightening the world regarding the truth about Burrows’ play. I’m sure he runs around the ice focusing on what referee he can trick next. In fact, now that I’ve had such an epiphany I don’t think I like Alex Burrows, better go get that tattoo removed quickly.

How is it that Cox speaks about the truth like it’s as sacred as the bible, but then turns around and peddles his opinion of Burrows’ as the truth. Not only as the truth, but apparently a truth known by everyone “we do know” (emphasis mine) that he’s a “known dive artist and agitator who is more than happy to fake an injury or foul”. I’ve had words put in my mouth before, but Cox really slams it in there doesn’t he.

I KNOW Alex Burrows is a decent hockey player, not the most squeaky clean player in the whole league, but its hockey, a contact sport, and in the heat of battle things get intense. I know Burrows has done some things I’m not proud of.  He’s not perfect, but the same can be said about Auger’s officiating. He’s no saint either. Yet somehow Cox passes Burrows off as a known dive artist, and Auger as “solid”. I don’t get it.

However, what I do “get” is that throwing Ryan Kesler into a story for the sole purpose of bashing him, is a damn cheap shot. Cox provides no basis for this attack. This is much worse than any cheap shot either Kesler or Burrows has attempted on the ice, which must be saying something fairly significant since you believe they are such immoral players.

So what have we learned after all these shenanigans?

To be honest, not much. The NHL didn’t budge at all, the matter was privately investigated and closed. Other than the game itself, the interaction between referees and players will continue to be a secret to the public, allowing whatever happens to continue to occur, for right or for wrong. The truth is out there somewhere, but fans may never know. I guess both Burrows and NHL fans lose this round.

Battle lines have been drawn, those who love Burrows will continue to enjoy his play for the same reasons they always have. Those who disagree with his playing style will continue to do so, hopefully without ruining his reputation and the reputations of his teammates in the process.

Update 10:38 AM – Colin Campbell spoke out on Fan 590 in Toronto in regards to what Auger said to Burrows, and why no further action was taken against Auger.

“ I feel like some refs come into the building and do a great job…Some other refs like Auger tonight take it personal, he comes into the game and he knows he’s going to make a call against me and give Nashville an advantage, and I don’t think that’s fair for my teammates or the fans.”

That was Alex Burrows, interviewed from the bike last night after a crushing and questionably officiated game against the Nashville Predators. Burrows alleged referee Stephane Auger had personally targeted him last night in order to get even with Burrows after the Canuck skater made Auger look bad on a boarding call made in favour of Burrows just over a month earlier against the Predators on December 8th.

Burrows was hit by Smithson into the glass, and Smithson received a game misconduct for charging Burrows, however Burrows went on to skate on his normal shift, allegedly frustrating Auger to the point that he would build a personal vendetta with Burrows so intense that he would eventually change the outcome of the game last night by calling a penalty on Burrows, ending the Canucks late power play and effectively putting the game in the hands of the Nashville Predators.

Burrows, obviously choked up, later elaborated on a conversation he had with Auger before the game “Smithson hit me from sideways and he said ‘I saw the replay you got your head up, you weren’t really hurt, and you made me look bad so I’m going to get you back tonight’ , and he did and it cost us two points”

To add to the drama, Auger did in fact have a quick chat with Burrows before the game. While it’s not clear at all what they are talking about, I’m sure they weren’t talking about the how excited they both were for the new How I Met Your Mother episode.

“Let’s say we miss playoffs by one point at the end of the year, that might be the game that will cost us the playoffs so it’s important” – Alex Burrows

Now, I will be honest, I have never thought Alex Burrows was the smartest NHL player in the world, in fact, he’s probably not the smartest player on the Canucks. However, the quote directly above is the smartest thing a hockey player could have said. He’s not mad at Auger directly, he’s not making it personal about his playing style, he’s not even worrying about the calls, he’s being professional. NHL players are professional athletes, paid to win hockey games or points, and eventually win the Stanley cup. Stephane Auger allegedly got in the way of Alex Burrows doing his job, and I commend Burrows for stepping up, calling a spade a spade, and pointing out Auger.

As well as the possible playoff implications, the NHL needs to handle the situation very carefully in order to re-insure fans that the rules of the game are enforced fairly by professionals. NHL referees have had relatively clean status’ as professional referee’s while other leagues have had some issues, however the playoff implications of the game and associated points are much more important than a certain questionable referee with a history of controversy.

Wait, What? There was actually a game last night?

Almost forgotten in all this mess is the fact that there was a hockey game played for two points last night, when all is said and done the Predators beat the Canucks 3-2.

The game itself, was an ugly defensive affair, scarred by a final twenty minutes that was a parade to the penalty box, killing any flow in the game and ultimately making it pretty hard to watch. Six minor penalties were called in the 3^rd, 5-1 against the Canucks. Not exactly an even spread.

I don’t really know how to approach the game, in my eyes the result is still tainted, so how do you judge a hollow forty minutes?

In all honestly, I can’t figure out the Canucks when they play the Predators. They play great, smash the Predators and look like the Canucks I know and love, or they play terribly, allow the Predators to take advantage of them, and lose two points.

The Canucks need to play with intensity and grit, allowing them to find results like they had on December 22^nd against the Canucks. The Canucks allowed the game to allegedly be decided by the referees because they hadn’t decided it themselves, if it’s 4-2 for the Canucks and Burrows gets an extra call because Auger doesn’t like him, who cares.

Injuries, News and Notes Special: Dan Ellis Edition

• The Canucks move on to the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, hopefully with a roster that includes Burrows. Check back here for any updates.
• Steve Bernier, who missed last night’s game with a groin injury, is listed as day-to-day.
• Ryan Johnson and Aaron Rome are also day-to-day with foot and head injuries.
• There was still more fallout on TSN today after the laser-pointer incident at GM place the other night, it’s amazing that one drunken idiot has received so much attention.

“Hey henrik sedin…stop trying to ride me like a horse…I am not into guys”  - Dan Ellis

That’s probably the type of comedy you would expect from a beer league goalie, who’s about 8 beers deep, late in the third, frustrated after getting blown out. Instead, it’s a gem from the verified Twitter account of Predators goalie Dan Ellis. I’ll assume he wasn’t drunk, so my previous expectations are only half correct I guess.

Dan Ellis should be flattered Henrik Sedin, the NHL scoring leader (Has a ring to it, doesn’t it?)  would chose to spend those precious few seconds between face-offs with him in the crease. Henrik spends enough time with Ellis already, to be honest. Maybe Ellis just isn’t comfortable with a guy who’s around so often, I mean I would get worried too – Henrik has 4 points in his last two games against Ellis, he’s obviously spending too much time in Ellis’ crease! It’s not like there’s a lot of physical contact in hockey either, why would the two ever have to touch each other?

All sarcasm aside, Ellis really needs to take a page out of Luongo’s book and keep it quiet. Luongo, after the loss last night (and a series of terrible calls against the Canucks) had this to say “I’m not the type of guy to make excuses, that’s not the who I am, but I’ve never seen anything like it in my whole career it’s the first time I’ve seen calls like that, especially with goals on the line.”

Every player would love to take a good crack at the ref’s during the post game interview or via some other public forum, but they don’t, they’re professionals. “Bad Referee” jokes are some of the easiest to make, but you don’t see Henrik Sedin going out there and making sexual jokes about the ref blowing calls, or any of that childish non-sense usually reserved for teenagers playing intramural hockey. As a player only in his third year in the NHL, I would have thought a bit of humility would still be with you Dan, but I guess you’ve been jaded by the microscope that is playing hockey in Nashville, my mistake.

So, expect the crease to be even more crowded next game Mr. Ellis, maybe even a threesome, with Swedish twins! I’ll let you imagine your own hilarious punch-line, since you have so nicely shared your talent on Twitter, I’m sure you will have a field day, is 140 characters even enough space to express such comedic joy with words like rubber, crease, twins, score and many more at your disposal?

Now That I’m Angry…

• How mad are you, Canucks fans, that the Canucks got ripped off last night, how much worse do you feel because it’s a personal attack on Burrows, not just a bad call?
• How do you feel about Burrows and how the situation was handled?
• What should the NHL do about all this mess?

BONUS

• What’s the best immature Dan Ellis joke you can come up with? Leave one in the comments section. Best response gets used in next Canucks vs. Predators article.

It was everything a battle for the Northwest Division lead is supposed to be, and then some.

The Canucks and Flames battled over 1^st place in the Northwest Division last night, and neither team was willing to give up an inch of ice to their opposition.

Rick Rypien and Brandon Prust fought twice in two long, spirited, tilt, and when they kept their gloves on the rest of the Canucks and Flames did battle, throwing hit after hit in a fierce battle at GM place.

Renee Bourque opened the scoring half way through the first period, as he straight up beat Shane O’Brien wide on the rush and lifted one up past Luongo.  O’Brien looked like his “old” self last night, taking four minutes in minor penalties and getting beat for the goal, surely a game Shane would like to forget. O’Brien has been playing some of his best hockey lately; hopefully last night was just a minor hiccup to begin a consistent second half of the season.

Speaking of playing well lately, Mikael “$&#% themselves” Samuelsson continued his streak of solid play, netting his 15^th of the year off of an attempted wrap around by Mason Raymond, who also has been on his ‘A’ game since Christmas.

In the second period, the Canucks top line of Sedin, Sedin and Burrows had some magic in store on the rush, Christian Ehrhoff sent Henrik Sedin in alone on a partial break against Miikka Kiprusoff, but Henrik elected to bait the first defender rushing to catch him, leaving the puck and a gaping cage to his brother Daniel, who simply buried the puck as if both brothers knew how the play would end. While being twins sure helps, the chemistry and playmaking between the twins is unbelievable at times.

Five minutes later, the Flames surprised not only the Canucks, but the CBC crew and myself as well, scoring at 9:54 of the 2^nd before CBC could finish its piece on Glen Hanlon, and before I could get back to the couch from the fridge. Don’t you hate when that happens? Jamie Lundmark put a faceoff deflection on net which found its way through Luongo’s pads. Not a good goal for Luongo, especially up a goal in such a tight game.

The Canucks carried momentum throughout the rest of the 2^nd period, but were unable to turn their energy into any goals. Daniel Sedin was robbed by Kiprusoff on the power play late in the 2^nd, another potential Canucks’ game winner stolen by Miika Kiprusoff, are the Canucks as tired of getting robbed by Kiprusoff as I am tired of watching him rob them game after game?

The third period was 20 minutes of pure hockey war, both teams brought tough hits and intense forechecking, but were both unable to find the back of the net and put the game away. In overtime, both teams seemed to sit back and wait for the shootout, I wish they hadn’t.

A penalty shot is one of the most exciting plays in hockey, the shootout however makes me want to puke. 65 minutes of hard fought hockey, and the game (and a vital extra point) is going to be decided by a shootout? A manufactured scoring system used in order to end games early, so that broadcasters don’t have to push back another episode of Coronation Street? Gross. It is so wrong to end a game as intense as last night’s with a shootout, think Rick Rypien and Brandon Prust wanted to fight TWICE just so the game could be decided on a glorified skills competition? . Thank Gordie that come April, the games will be decided that right way.

Long story short, the Canucks fell 3-2 in a shootout and I don’t like it. All I will say about it is that Luongo has got to stop at least one of the three shots he faces in order to help this team win the skills competition shootout. Loser points, appropriately named, are for losers. The Canucks don’t need any more of them.

It’s only fitting that I go from the shootout to the fan idiot with the laser pointer at the game last night. The only thing more disgusting about the shootout last night was the dumbass sitting in the front row with a green laser pointer trained on Miika Kiprusoff’s head. I am all for team spirit, dressing up in team colours, wearing green jumpsuits, yelling at opposing players, chanting opposing goaltender’s names, it’s all good times and I’m all for supporting the home team (or the away team, if you’re brave enough)and I commend those who go to such lengths to support the Canucks.

However…

IN NO WAY SHOULD A FAN USE A WHISTLE, LASER POINTER, OR ANY OTHER DEVICE TO INFLUENCE THE DIRECT OUTCOME OF A SPORTS GAME. EVER. Even if it is against the evil Flames. These laser pointer shenanigans are just another episode of Canucks fans gone wrong, and it shouldn’t be allowed to happen. That clown should have been beat up or tossed out by the first REAL Canucks fan or GM Place security guard who saw the laser. This individual can be added to the list of garbage hurling idiots who were at game 5 last year against the Blackhawks, you’re not welcome back.

Canucks Fans: Our passion is rarely rivalled by other fans in the NHL; let’s keep it that way with positive support of our team, not like the cheap trick attempted at GM Place on Saturday. Never throw anything on the ice either. Unless it’s a teddy bear for a fundraiser, or a hat to salute a three goal scorer, just keep it to yourself.

I’m honestly at peace with the Canucks shootout loss because we deserved it, the shootout is a coin toss, and we lost. The hockey gods flipped a coin; on one side was a laser pointer wielding idiot, the other, Jamie Lundmark. Guess which side landed up.

As mentioned earlier, Rick Rypien and Brandon Prust had two beauties last night, dropping the gloves twice in one of the most intense, spirited games of the season from the Canucks and Flames. Here are both fights in all their glory.

The first fight of the night, I thought Rypien won the fight early and late, but Prust did have a good rally in the middle, however I thought it was mostly built upon Rypien vulnerability after getting up off the ice after slipping. The votes are split 42% Rypien, 40 % Prust at hockeyfights.com.

The second fight of the night between these two, Rypien holds 55% of the votes over at hockeyfights.com in this one.

Injuries, News and Notes

• Evan Oberg has been re-assigned to Manitoba; Sami Salo should be ready to play on Monday against the Predators.
• Aaron Rome is still day-to-day with a head injury suffered on a hit from Taylor Pyatt on Thursday.
• Ryan Johnson and Pavol Demitra are still out, however Demitra has been skating with the team and is slowly progressing towards a return.
• The Canucks are 5^th in the Western Conference after last night at 56 points, The Blackhawks lead the West with 66 and the Red Wings are just outside a playoff spot with 52.

It feels like writing a eulogy, I’m distraught, I don’t know what to say, but this isn’t writers block, its heartbreak. The gold medal streak is dead, I hate this feeling. W.H. Auden wrote it best…

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Down 5-3 in the third period, Jordan Eberle lead Canada to another epic two goal comeback to push the game to overtime, but in this episode of the Canada vs. USA rivalry, Canada would not survive OT.

Early in the twenty minute 4 on 4 overtime period, Alex Pietrangelo jumped up in the rush and ripped a slap shot towards the American goal, the shot was kicked wide by USA keeper Jack Campbell, creating a 2 on 1 in the Canadian zone.

Did Canada forget it was 4 on 4? Did we think that we would score on one of the first shots of Overtime? Who knows, but it’s all too late to question.

On that 2 on 1, John Carlson skated up the ice, checked if the pass was available and opted to shoot, and it was a good decision for the young American. Just as they had done so many times before, the USA team attacked the top half of the net, burying a wrist shot top corner, earning the gold medal and ending the Canadian streak at five gold medals.

It ends at the drive for five; no sick pack and no chance for the media to salivate over the numerous puns that come with number seven. Lucky number seven, seventh heaven, not any more. Now all Canada will be looking for next year in Buffalo is revenge, and while I hate losing, that is fine with me. Just as the target will be on Canadian players back in Vancouver 2010, next Christmas the pressure will be on the Americans to defend gold at home, and Canada will be ready to avenge their loss next year.

To all those Canadian Canucks fans, Jordan Schroeder played like a pro all tournament, especially against Canada, at least one of our prospects is looking sharp, even if it has to be in spite of a Canadian loss. I’ll be wondering all week how the tournament would have gone with a healthy Cody Hodgson in the tournament, or a healthy Travis Hamonic in the gold medal game.

Canucks Dominate Blue Jackets

If you told me yesterday that only one of my two teams could win their game Tuesday night, I would have had to say I would prefer a Canadian victory. There is only one gold medal game; we’ll play the Blue Jackets again over the course of the season.

After being devastated by John Carlson in the Canada vs. USA final, the Canucks didn’t seem to be helping me out, down 2-0 it looked like a hockey nightmare – not so fast hockey fans.

It’s obvious that Rick Rypien gets the Vanstone stamp of approval, but that is usually because of his bare fists. Last night, Rypien gets a big stick tap by starting the comeback for the Canucks with a slapshot he ripped past Steve Mason just 41 seconds after the BJ’s took a two goal lead. That’s the type of goal you love to see from a 4^th line player.

After Rypien got the team back into it, the first line took over and never looked back. Two goals by Alex Burrows, both assisted by the Sedin twins rounded out the 1^st period for the Canucks, regaining the lead. It was all Canucks after that point, Sedin, Salo and Mikael “$#&% themselves” Samuelsson all added second period goals to head into the third 6-3.

A three goal lead is usually a pretty comfortable lead, and the Canucks traditionally would sit back and defend a lead, and when three ahead, it’s a very smart decision. So when Alex Burrows and Ryan Kesler streaked up ice shorthanded only five minutes into the third period, I was very sceptical.

Shame on me for ever questioning these two.

Alex Burrows fed a pass over to Kesler and drove back door, where Kesler placed a perfect pass that Burrows nicely tapped into a gaping cage, solidifying a solid Canucks victory, and capping off only the second hat trick of Burrows’ career.

Great game all around for the Canucks, assuming of course that the “game” started just over seven minutes after the clock started counting down. Very nice of them to let the Jackets skate alone for so long.

Injuries, News and Notes

• Kevin Bieksa is of course, out for a while. Going to be months for Bieksa, hopefully a nice return just before playoff time to give the Canucks a little boost down the stretch.
• Ryan Johnson is still day to day with a foot injury.
• Pavol Demitra is skating with the team again, but hasn’t been cleared for contact yet. It will be very interesting to see where Demitra fits into the line-up, although his spot will mostly depend on how he performs when he returns.
• After last night’s game Christian Ehrhoff is the NHL’s plus/minus leader, good times.
• Ehrhoff isn’t the only Canuck on top of the NHL leader boards; Henrik Sedin is tied for 1^st in the NHL scoring lead. More good times.
• The Phoenix Coyotes come to town on Thursday night, I’m hoping the recently high powered Canucks offense shows up, I hate how games between Vigneault and Tippet become defensive wars of attrition. Worst comes to worst and tomorrow night is a defensive struggle, just win baby.

New Years Eve: My roommate and I set up two TVs to watch both the Vancouver Canucks and Canada’s World Junior Team rally to win their New Years’ Eve matchups, drinks are poured, goals are celebrated and the rest is history.

When we first sat down to watch the Canada vs. USA World Junior game and Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues game, my roommate and I decided it would be a good idea to throw a drinking game into the mix of our pre-party entertainment, so six Canucks and six Canadians later, we both had drafted our one day, one game fantasy hockey team, destined to make our opponents drink – A lot. Game over.

Long story short, Team Canada’s epic comeback victory over the United States and the Canucks overtime win over the St. Louis Blues combined became one of the best days of hockey I’ve ever watched, setting the tone for an unreal night on the town.

I’ll do my best to recap the excitement, and set up another epic double header on Tuesday.

Rick Rypien started off the festivities with a beat down of his own on Thursday, Rypien went to work on Cam Janssen in a fight that had everything, including a bit of controversy. Rypien jumped into the fight with both feet launching himself at Janssen and proceeded to throw huge rights and lefts at Janssen, which left Janssen with a bloody and bruised face that was simply described as “the legend of Rick Rypien” by John Shorthouse.

Rypien was given a match penalty for having his hand taped up, which is indeed against NHL rules. However I can’t believe the tape job was put on for specific fighting purposes, since it wasn’t over any knuckles and was below the thumb. I don’t want to get into more arguments over the legality of tape, MMA type fighting styles and other nonsense, Rypien can take on anyone tape or no tape, that’s all I care about.

After the big fight, the Canucks left a lot on the ice, allowing the blues to take a 3-1 lead into the third period, could it be another disappointing effort against the Blues?

Meanwhile, Canada was also toying with my emotions, allowing two shorthanded goals in the second period to the Americans and giving up an early third period goal to go down two goals. With ten minutes left in the World Junior tilt, and third period just about to start in St. Louis, both of my teams were down by two and looking for heroics, they would deliver.

Five minutes into the first period, Mikael “#$@# themselves” Samuelsson scored to bring the Canucks within striking distance, down one. Thanks to glorious digital PVR, Jordan Eberle who is no stranger to heroics; had some of his own in store. Eberle brought Canada within a goal with ten minutes remaining, and the comeback was on.

Down a goal in both games, my year could have started out as a heartbreaker, or a glorious opening ceremony to a year full of epic hockey games, thank Gordie the latter prevailed.

Revenge is a dish best served cold, hockey is no exception, and revenge on the ice is always cold and always satisfying. Down a goal and shorthanded because of two American short-handed goals, Alex Pietrangelo’s shorthanded goal at 15:45 is up there for me as one of the most clutch Canadian World Junior moments ever, and there was still time left on the clock.  Tie game, Canada 4 – USA 4.

Minutes later, the professional’s also proved to me they can still pull off the comeback, Henrik Sedin’s shot from his brother Daniel at 18:04 saved the Canucks from another deflating loss to the Blues, and gave us a chance in overtime.

Two TV’s, two games, two overtime periods, two roommates ringing in the new year in style.

The Canada vs. USA Overtime started, and I was on the edge of my seat for all ten minutes, trying to somehow cheer on the Canadians to victory from the other side of my TV set. No dice. Overtime left me without a winner, and another epic shootout with the Americans was to come.

Meanwhile in the NHL, the Canucks seemed to be driven to end the game the way it is meant to, with a real goal. After the Canucks drew a double minor for high sticking in overtime, Christian Ehrhoff took the game into his own hands and ripped a slapshot past Chris Mason, solidifying a full comeback from the Canucks, an especially impressive victory considering the amount of heat the Canucks have been taking lately for a lack of determination late in games, even if it was just to get the “loser” point. The Canucks and Canadians both seemed driven to avoid that “loser” point and win both games; I love the heart in both these teams.

Canada and the USA are no strangers to World Junior shootouts, the epic 2007 battle between the Americans and Canadians was a huge moment for Hockey Canada, Carey Price and of course, Jonathan Toews. Due to the interesting shootout rules in the IIHF, after three shots a shooter can take as many shootout attempts as he likes, and why not? When you have someone as clutch as Jonathan Toews on your bench, you let him shoot all night.

In the 2010 edition of the Canada vs. USA rivalry, almost every shooter was ready to clutch up for his team and bury in the shootout. Eberle, Kristo, Kadri, Morin, and Kozun all gave the goalies no chance, scoring for their teams to leave the game on the stick of Jordan Schroeder.
Note: I love Jordan Schroeder as a Canucks draft pick, and as a skilled hockey player. Once he puts on that USA jersey, he no longer exists to me.

As he skated down the ice, I just had the feeling it had to happen; Jake Allen had to stop him. The same feeling I had when Jonathan Toews kept skating out to shoot in 2007, it was the same script, and I can’t get enough of it.

Schroeder skated in and fired five hole on Canada’s Jake Allen, but Allen was quick to shut the door and stop Schroeder and the Americans from taking a trip to the semi-finals. From then on, it was a celebration all across Canada, anywhere there is a hometown player on that Canadian team had a party in his honour, I’m sure of it.

A relatively simple game against the Swiss, and a sneaky early morning Canucks game against Dallas later, and another huge day of hockey is ahead of us. The Vancouver Canucks face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7PM and Team Canada takes on Team USA again for Gold at the World Juniors at 5PM.

The Vancouver Canucks invite Columbus into GM place fresh off the heels of learning Kevin Bieksa may be out 3-4 months with several lacerations in his ankle. Ryan Johnson will also still be out after fracturing his foot; he has missed the last five games.

The more devastating injury is to Travis Hamonic, part of the shutdown pairing for Team Canada. He was hit into the boards late into the Canadian semi-final against the Swiss, ending his tournament. Alex Pietrangelo will replace Hamonic on the shutdown pairing and the struggling Jared Cowen will attempt to bounce back from a poor game against the Americans tomorrow night.

It’s going to be another exciting night tomorrow, with two games to watch the PVR will be working overtime in order to cover both games. I’m torn whose gear I should wear tomorrow, but I think the red and white maple leaf will be on my chest around campus.

Enjoy the games tomorrow.